Razzle Dazzle Life

  • Delicious Recipes
  • Recipe Videos
  • About Me
    • Work with me
    • Contact
  • Shop
  • Privacy Policy
menu icon
go to homepage
  • Delicious Recipes
  • Recipe Videos
  • About Me
    • Work with me
    • Contact
  • Shop
  • Privacy Policy
subscribe
search icon
Homepage link
  • Delicious Recipes
  • Recipe Videos
  • About Me
    • Work with me
    • Contact
  • Shop
  • Privacy Policy
×
Razzle Dazzle Life » Mexican Inspired

Pozole Rojo (Mexican Stew with Pork and Hominy)

This post was last updated on September 19, 2024 at 4:43 pm

October 28, 2021 by Tamara J. 5 Comments

Thanks for sharing!

1023 shares
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn
  • Email
Take Me to the Recipe

Pozole Rojo is a rich Mexican stew, made with pork and hominy, and loaded with fresh toppings. The perfect bowl of comfort for any time.

If you're looking for more Mexican-inspired soups and broths, then check out this hearty Vegetarian Tortilla Soup or the spicy Birria Ramen with Beef.

Overhead view of a bowl of Pozole Rojo with garnishes including cabbage, radishes and sliced limes.

This Pozole Rojo recipe yields 12 servings, so there is more than enough to go around the dining table. And it is a good thing too because everyone will want seconds!

Jump to:
  • Why we love this recipe
  • What do I need to make Pozole Rojo?
  • Cooking Pozole Rojo:
  • Pozole Rojo Modifications
  • Toppings/Fixings for Pozole Rojo:
  • 📖 Recipe

Why we love this recipe

Let the aroma of slow-roasted pork, chiles, garlic, and onions fill your kitchen on a chilly Sunday afternoon.

The robust flavors of this Mexican stew bring back so many fond memories from my time in Texas. Now I get to serve it to my family!

What do I need to make Pozole Rojo?

The best way to conquer any recipe is to break it down to the essentials. Here are the key ingredients for Pozole Rojo:

  • Pork: I used pork shoulder/butt. It is not what it sounds like! Pork butt is actually a large cut of the shoulder of the pig. It is the best cut of pork for slow cooking because it comes out tender and succulent.
  • Chiles: red chile sauce is the heart of this recipe so you know it is gotta be homemade! Chiles provide Pozole Rojo with a distinct and robust, spiciness. However, you can mix and match chiles, depending on your taste buds (and heat tolerance). I used:
    • Guajilo chiles: Medium heat level with a tangy flavor.
    • Chiles de arbol: These fiery peppers bring the heat.
  • Chicken Broth: the base of the broth.
  • Onion and Garlic: I include them in the chile sauce but you can also saute and stir them directly into the broth.
  • Hominy: pozole is the Spanish word for "hominy." They are dried corn kernels, soaked in lime to soften them. Hominy is essential to this recipe because it helps thicken the stew, and provides a nice textural difference.

Cooking Pozole Rojo:

Some novice chefs are intimidated by stews but this recipe is simple, with delicious results! You will wonder why you did not make it sooner.

Here are the steps, simplified from start to finish. Check out the recipe for full directions!

  1. Season the pork first, rubbing it with salt and pepper. Then preheat a large stockpot over medium-high heat. Next, add olive oil into the pot.
  2. Sear the pork for 3 minutes per side. (When you sear pork, you are carmelizing the natural sugars and browning the meat. The finished product is a rich crust and savory flavor.) Then pour chicken broth into the pot and reduce heat to medium. After that, simmer the pork for 2 hours.
  3. Shred the pork with your hands, when it is cool enough to touch.
  4. Skim any fat that floats to the top of the water while the pork cooks.
  5. Blend all the ingredients for your chile sauce while the pork is cooking.
  6. Strain the chile mixture into the pot with the pork.
  7. Mix pre-rinsed hominy into the pot with the pork then cook for an additional hour.
  8. Top with garnishes!
A hand holding a bite sized chunk of pork shoulder over a pot of broth.
Shred into bite-sized pieces.
Scraping fat off of the surface of the stew
Skim any fat that surfaces.
Boil red chile sauce ingredients before blending.
Straining the red chile sauce
Strain red chile sauce.
Adding hominy to the pork broth.
Add hominy.

Pozole Rojo Modifications

Before we finish I want to give you some suggestions for modifications:

  • Protein: While Pozole Rojo is traditionally made with pork, maybe you prefer a leaner meat or no meat at all. Try chicken breasts/thighs or pinto beans as an alternative.
  • Veggies: Traditionally, pozole is made with meat and hominy. If veggies are your thing- try zucchini, mushrooms, or even potatoes.
  • Spice: Want more spice? Add more chiles de arbol. Want a more moderate spice level? Then leave them out and just opt for the guajilo chiles.

Toppings/Fixings for Pozole Rojo:

Finally, the fun part! What's Pozole Rojo without toppings? It's still a yummy stew but I love loading it up with different toppings every time. Here are some suggestions:

  • Shredded cabbage
  • Green onion
  • Radishes
  • Lime/ Lime juice
  • Cilantro
  • Avocado
  • Tostadas
  • Sliced jalapenos
  • Cotija cheese

Have fun getting creative with the garnishes!

You should definitely give this Pozole Verde a try too!

📖 Recipe

Overhead view of a bowl Pozole Rojo

Pozole Rojo (Mexican Stew with Pork and Hominy)

Pozole Rojo is a rich and comforting Mexican stew. Made with pork and hominy, and loaded with fresh toppings. The perfect bowl of comfort for any time.
Print Recipe SaveSaved! Rate Recipe
Prep Time: 20 minutes minutes
Cook Time: 3 hours hours
Total Time: 3 hours hours 20 minutes minutes
Course: Mexican Inspired, Soup, Soups and Stews
Cuisine: Mexican
Keyword: mexican food, pozole, pozole rojo, soup
Servings: 12 servings
Calories: 461kcal
Author: Tamara J.

Ingredients

  • 2-3 pound Pork shoulder (or pork butt)
  • 2 tablespoons Olive oil
  • ½ tablespoon Salt
  • ½ tablespoon Black pepper
  • 4 cups Chicken broth
  • 3 15 ounce cans White hominy (set aside until towards the end)

Red Chile Sauce for Pozole

  • 10 dried Guajillo chiles
  • 3 dried Chiles de arbol optional for spice
  • 4 cups Water
  • 3 cloves Garlic whole
  • 1 large Onion chopped
  • 2 teaspoons Dried Oregano
  • 2 teaspoons Salt
  • 2 teaspoon Ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon Smoked paprika
  • 2 whole Bay leaves
  • Salt adjust to taste at the end of cooking

Instructions

  • Rub salt and pepper all over the pork shoulder. Preheat a large stockpot over medium-high heat. Add olive oil into the pot.
  • Place the pork directly into the pot with the olive oil, and sear on all sides for 3 minutes per side. Pour chicken broth into the pot then reduce heat to medium, cover the pot and simmer the pork for 2 hours.
    cooked pork with rendered fat
  • Remove the pork and set it aside to cool. When it is cool to touch, use your hand to shred it into bite size piece.
    A hand holding a bite sized chunk of pork shoulder over a pot of broth.
  • Skim any fat that floats to the top of the water that the pork was cooked in.
    Scraping fat off of the surface of the stew
  • While the pork is cooking, make the red chile sauce for the base of the soup. Remove all of the seeds and stems from the dried chiles.
  • Add the dried chiles, water, garlic cloves, and chopped onion to a saucepan and bring to a slow boil for 10 minutes. Remove all of the solids from the water, including the bay leaves, and place them in a blender.
    dried chiles and onions in a pot of water to make pozole rojo
  • Gently pour half of the water into the blender, (be careful if it is hot) and reserve the remaining water. Add all of the seasonings to the blender: oregano, salt, ground cumin, and smoked paprika. Blend on high for 2 minutes.
  • Use a fine mesh strainer, and strain the red chile mixture directly into the pot with the pork. Push the mixture through with a spoon, and add the reserved boiling liquid if needed to help loosen it up.
    Straining the red chile sauce
  • Next, open the cans of hominy, and rinse them well under cool water. Add the hominy into the pot with the pork. Cook for 1 more hour. Taste, and add salt to your taste.
    Adding hominy to the pork broth.
  • Serve the pozole, and top with garnishments if desired, (see post above for ideas).

Notes

Slow cooker or pressure cooker method can be used in place of cooking on stove.

Recommended Products

Bush's Best White Hominy 15.5 oz
Bush's Best White Hominy 15.5 oz
Ninja BL660 Professional Countertop Blender with 1100-Watt Base, 72 Oz Total Crushing Pitcher and (2) 16 Oz Cups for Frozen Drinks and Smoothies, Gray
Ninja BL660 Professional Countertop Blender with 1100-Watt Base, 72 Oz Total Crushing Pitcher and (2) 16 Oz Cups for Frozen Drinks and Smoothies, Gray
LiveFresh Fine Mesh Strainer Set - Rust Proof Stainless Steel with Non Slip Handles - Premium Strainers Fine Mesh Sieve Set - The Ideal Quinoa Strainer
LiveFresh Fine Mesh Strainer Set - Rust Proof Stainless Steel with Non Slip Handles - Premium Strainers Fine Mesh Sieve Set - The Ideal Quinoa Strainer
bamfitwell Bamboo Cutting Board with Juice Groove
bamfitwell Bamboo Cutting Board with Juice Groove
IMUSA USA Stainless Steel Stock Pot 20-Quart, Silver
IMUSA USA Stainless Steel Stock Pot 20-Quart, Silver

Nutrition

Serving: 1 | Calories: 461kcal | Carbohydrates: 22g | Protein: 30g | Fat: 28g | Saturated Fat: 9g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 16g | Cholesterol: 104mg | Sodium: 1426mg | Fiber: 4g | Sugar: 5g
Did you make this recipe?Please leave a comment on the blog and tag me in your photo on Instagram or Facebook!

More Mexican Inspired

  • picadillo or ground beef with potatoes in a white bowl with quesadillas next to it on a table
    Picadillo (Ground Beef and Potatoes)
  • A taco bowl filled with roasted sweet potatoes, ground beef, avocado slices, shredded lettuce, pico de gallo, and a drizzle of creamy pink sauce, garnished with lime.
    Flavor Packed Sweet Potato Taco Bowl
  • A plate of taco rice topped with melted cheese, fresh lettuce, diced tomatoes, and a creamy sauce, served alongside a bowl filled with the same flavorful mixture.
    Cheesy Southwest Taco Rice Skillet
  • a bowl of beef and vegetable soup with a side of lime wedges and Mexican rice on a table setting
    Caldo de Res (Hearty Mexican Beef Soup)

Thanks for sharing!

1023 shares
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn
  • Email

Comments

    4.75 from 8 votes (7 ratings without comment)

    Leave a Reply Cancel reply

    Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

    Recipe Rating




  1. Lori says

    September 15, 2023 at 12:38 am

    Was 2-3 pound roast boneless?

    Reply
    • Tamara J. says

      September 15, 2023 at 6:05 pm

      Yes it was. Bone-in works as well. Just remove it when you shred the meat of course!

      Reply
  2. Jean says

    April 04, 2023 at 5:45 pm

    We made a scaled-down version, because didn’t need so much. Because of preparing chilies and cooking time of meat it does take some time, but just plan your day! It’s worthwhile.

    Reply
    • Tamara J. says

      April 05, 2023 at 1:10 pm

      I love it! So happy you guys enjoyed 😄

      Reply
  3. Jada says

    July 27, 2022 at 3:24 pm

    5 stars
    I ate pazole at least once a month growing up. This recipe was so easy to follow and tasted just like my mom use to make it!

    Reply

HEY, Y'ALL!

I'm Tamara! I'm a Southern girl who has cooking in her blood. A wife and busy mom of four awesome kids. I love sharing fun family ideas, money saving life hacks, and have a variety of fool-proof family-friendly recipes for the family on the go. Learn more about Tamara


Footer

AS SEEN IN:

↑ back to top

About

  • Contact
  • Work with me

Exclusive Email Access

  • Sign Up! for emails and updates

Legal Jargon

  • Privacy Policy & Disclosures

As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

Copyright © 2025 Razzle Dazzle Life

Rate This Recipe

Your vote:




A rating is required
A name is required
An email is required

Recipe Ratings without Comment

Something went wrong. Please try again.